European Central Bank

The Euro's Keeper

As the central bank of the European monetary union, the ECB determines the EU monetary policy. Its main goal: price stability independent from political influence -- a virtue that has been tested during the 2010 euro crisis and subsequent rescue package.

Frankfurt is booming and thousands of investment bankers are heading for the German financial capital as a result of Brexit. But can the city handle the influx? Its already fragile social structures are being stretched to the breaking point. By Tim Bartz and Martin Hessemore...[ Comment ]

Business and political leaders in Germany are increasingly frustrated with the monetary policies of European Central Bank head Mario Draghi. Recently, the confrontation has threatened to become damaging to the euro zone. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Banks across Europe, including the European Central Bank, are preparing for the possibility of Greece leaving the euro zone. With Athens and Brussels still at odds, such an eventuality seems more realistic than ever. But how disruptive would a Grexit really be? By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Greek Finance Minister Giannis Varoufakis has had little luck convincing his EU counterparts that Athens needs a debt cut. He speaks with SPIEGEL about why austerity has failed, how aid conditions are like waterboarding and where the bailout money went. Interview by Thomas Hüetlin and Alexander Neubachermore...[ Comment ]

Greece is insisting on the relaxation of conditions relating to emergency aid, but the euro zone no longer fears the consequences of a Grexit. Both sides are digging in ahead of Monday's finance minister meeting. By Martin Hesse, Christian Reiermann and Christoph Schultmore...[ Comment ]

The new government in Athens is intent on forcing Europe to change its approach to Greek debt -- thus far in vain. A confrontation is brewing, and both sides stand to lose. By Martin Hesse and Christian Reiermannmore...[ Comment ]

Syriza's victory in the recent Greek elections set off a wave of concern in Europe. But even as the new prime minister tries to woo other leaders, his left-wing government is already busy getting down to work. Many of its first moves have been the right ones. By Manfred Ertel, Julia Amalia Heyer, Walter Mayr and Juliane von Mittelstaedtmore...[ Comment ]

Newly elected Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has promised to free his country from the strict demands of its European creditors. In a SPIEGEL interview, European Parliament President Martin Schulz says there is room for compromise, but warns Athens must tread carefully. Interview by Nikolaus Blome and Christoph Schultmore...[ Comment ]

Greece wants to remain in the euro zone, but Athens wishes to renegotiate everything relating to the current austerity regime. SPIEGEL spoke with Economics Minister Giorgios Stathakis about how the new government intends to address that challenge. Interview by Manfred Ertelmore...[ Comment ]

Greek election victor Alexis Tsipras wants an entirely different Europe from the one envisioned by Angela Merkel. His success is likely to stoke anger over Germany's EU dominance. Leaders in France and Italy are also hoping for an end to austerity. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]